PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6839, 21 April 1932, Page 8

PALMERSTON PICTURE PROGRAMMES

KOSY THEATRE. UNUSUAL RACE TRACK DRAMA “RECKLESS LIVING.” “Reckless Living,’’ Universal’s race track film of gamblers that features Ricardo Cortez, Mae Ciarko and Norman Foster, is the attraction announced by the lvosy for presentation again today. Based upon last season’s stage hit, “On the Up and Up,” the picture concerns the difficulties of a young wedded couple whom circumstances force to act as a decoy for a group of raco track gamblers. To complicate matters, the suave chief of the gamblers is more than kindly disposed toward tho loving young wife, and tho young husband is tho sort who makes many mistakes during the process of living. There aro exciting police raids and thrills furnished by policemen, Robert Emmett O’Connor and Thomas Jackson. Slim Summerville and Marie Provost add the comedy, and Louis Nathcaux, Murray Ivinncll, Russell Hopton, Perry Ivins, and Brooks Benedict play the “bookie” characters. Pauline Moore, Universal’s 17-year-old “screen discovery,” makes her screen debut in “Reckless Living.” The little darkeyed actress was playing small roles with the Ashbury Park, New Jersey, stock company, when Universal scouts gavo her a test for pictures and immediately presented her with a ticket to Universal City and potential fame.

AT THE REGENT. NORMA SHEARER SUCCESS IS PROVING GREAT HIT. Norma Shearer is starred with. Robert Montgomery in “Strangers May Kiss,” which is now at the Regent theatre, as her latest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer offering. This picture marlcs tho return to tho screen of tho delightful star and is of unusual interest because it again has her as the heroine of a best-selling novel from the pen of Ursula Parrott, popular author, whose first book provided the story for “The Divorcee.” This is the talkie in which Miss Shearer won tho 1930 award of the Academy of Motion Picturo Arts and Sciences for tho outstanding performance of the year. Tho new role is an even more entertaining one than that of tho previous picturo and tne characterisation is one of glamour and smart sophistication, Miss Shearer’s best forte on tho .talking screen. George Fitzmauricc, master of Continental story telling, directed tho picture from the adaptation by John Median of the novel. Meehan filled a similar capacity in the production of “The Divorcee.” Fitzmaurice is ono of the most artistic directors in tho industry and is credited with an unusually skilful treatment of delicate situations. Robert Montgomery played with Miss Shearer in “Their Own Desire” and “The Divorcee” and starred in “Shipmates” and “Tlio Man in Possession.” An unusually imposing cast appears in supporting roles. Neil Har 'ton is one of tho most popular lean ~g players today. Marjorie Rambeau, who last was seen in “Min and Bill,” plays the part of Miss Shearer’s confidante, Irene Rich, Hale Hamilton, Jed Prouty, as Miss Rambeau’s “boy friend,” Oonchita Montenegro, exotic Spanish dancer, who plays her first English-speaking rote and Albert Conti is the Spaniard who is enamored of the heroine, are also prominent. Tho story concerns Lisbcth, a very modern young woman who takes romance as she finds it, attaching herself to a globe-trotting journalist. Hamilton is the roving chap and when he finds her likewise accepting favours of other men fie casts her off. Montgomery is the suave youth, always understanding and every ready to marry Lisbcth when sho tires of tho other fellow. In the end the truo lovers get together, both having learned a bitter lesson in a bitter world. In addition is tho Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy laugh hit, “Beau Hunks.” ~ ' -

PALACE THEATRE. FIRST SCREEN OPERA IS BASED ON “CARMEN” Tlio atmosphere of impending doom which overshadows the gipsy, Carmen, has been, captured and brought to the screen by Cecil Lewis, the director of “Gipsy Love,” showing at the Palace theatre on Saturday—an adaption of the famous opera, with a musical accompaniment. She relentlessly pursues her prey, flinging away all scruples to satisfy her desire. Possessed of an ungovernable temper she stabs a rellowworker, and is arrested, but her guards fall beneath her spell and she escapes. She brings about the degradation of many but in Don Jose she finds one who is not content to play the role of a discarded lover. The impending tragedy is forscen by an old witch who predicts her death, but even this dire warning does not sway her from her course. She is eventually stabbed to death by Jose who has been driven frantic by her ardent love for Escamillo, a toreador. As Don Jose, Tom Burke makes his first appearance in a full-length talkie, bringing to film-goers a splendid opportunity to hear Britain's most renowned tenor, and Marguerite Namara, the world-famous prima donna, gives an outstanding performance as Carmen. Lester Matthews, Lance Fairfax and D. Hay Petrie are among a strong supporting cast, and Doctor Malcolm Sargent, who arranged the musical setting for the film, personally conductcd the New Symphony Orchestra.